Tricky drug development challenges have held back the NLRP3 inhibitor field for decades but Ventus and its many rivals believe the class can deliver on its huge potential, from Parkinson’s disease to NASH and arthritis.

VC funding slowed recently, but public company financings kept up a brisk pace with follow-on public offerings for Allakos and Alpine, private placements for Ventyx and Syros, and Albireo’s royalty deal. In restructuring updates, Biogen raised $592m in a real estate deal and Acerus is assessing options.

Zydus has established proof of concept for ZYIL1, a NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor to treat cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, via Phase II trials in Australia. Will the oral drug have an upper hand over injectables like Novartis’ Ilaris?

Five notable studies are expected to report top-line data in the first quarter. With the help of Biomedtracker's Early 2022 Outlook Report, we take a look at the major catalysts likely to kick off the year, including in heart failure and wet AMD.